In the column, Bello explains that she finds the idea of relationships and partners to transcend gender.

My feelings about attachment and partnership have always been that they are fluid and evolving. Jack’s father, Dan, will always be my partner because we share Jack. Dan is the best father and the most wonderful man I’ve known. Just because our relationship is nonsexual doesn’t make him any less of a partner. We share the same core values, including putting our son first. My more recent ex, Bryn, remains my partner because we share our activism. And Clare will always be my partner because she is also my best friend.

Before she told her son, she wrote, she spoke to her therapist. She worried about how it would affect her career. She tried to justify her feelings. Finally, she was straightforward.